Online Word of Mouth Marketing
The advent of the Internet has ushered in a new age of marketing and communication. Social media has allowed brands to connect with consumers in ways that have never existed before, and word of mouth marketing has become one of the most powerful tools in the digital age. Word of mouth, also known as WOM, is a process of encouraging people to voluntarily share their opinions and experiences about a product or service to their friends and peers.
Word of mouth marketing is an effective way to build brand awareness, trust and loyalty with current and potential customers. By leveraging the power of the consumers who already buy their products or services, brands can share information about their products more quickly and at a lower cost than traditional marketing methods.
The most common form of WOM marketing is through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. These outlets allow companies to not only communicate with their customers, but also to spread word of mouth by encouraging fans to share posts and product reviews. Companies can also reach out to influencers and recruit them to share their opinion of the product or service to their own followers, who could be potential customers. Additionally, companies can take advantage of customer review sites such as Yelp, Trustpilot and Houzz where customers can leave feedback. Through customer reviews, consumers can get an unbiased opinion of a product or service and make a more informed purchasing decision.
Another way businesses can leverage the WOM platform is through referral and loyalty campaigns. Referral programs are particularly effective because customers are more likely to trust their friends’ opinions than a brand’s advertisement and are also more likely to purchase a product or service if it is recommended by someone they trust. Loyalty programs, on the other hand, are a great way to reward customers for their loyalty and encourage them to share their experience with their friends and family.
It is important for companies to remember that WOM marketing does not stop after a purchase is made, but should continue throughout the customers entire life cycle. Companies should focus on creating a positive customer experience and providing quality customer service, as this will encourage customers to share their experiences and promote their product.
Word of mouth marketing can be a powerful tool for brands, but it is important to remember that it is based on trust and communication. Companies should utilize the power of WOM marketing to reach their target audience, build relationships with existing and potential customers, and to ultimately increase their customer’s loyalty.
